Building a business case for a super-SUV might seem difficult for somebody outside the car-loving world. Then again, one has to admit that these machines cater to two important needs, mixing the feeling of security generated by their high-riding nature with the extreme emotions coming from the spicy output. As such, the segment now has more traction than ever and we're here to focus on a member of its junior league, namely the 2019 BMW X4 M.
With the second generation of the X4 now among us, this is the first time when the Sports Activity Coupe receives a proper M version.
The X4 M has been testing for quite a while now, with prototypes currently completing their final development phase. And the latest test car sighting takes us to the Nurburgring, where a prototype has been driven at demonic pace, as you'll be able to notice in the piece of footage at the bottom of the page.
A new engine will be found under the hood of the X4 M, with this also set to be used on the next-gen M3/M4 and, of course, the 2019 X3 M, which we've also spied on multiple occasions.
Codenamed S58, the engine is based on the B58 3.0-liter straight-six that powers models like the BMW M240i. However, the journey from the M Performance to the M badge will see the mill gaining an extra turbo.
The unit is expected to deliver at least 460 hp and 600 Nm (442.5) lb-ft of twist, which means the high-riding models will have to be on the handling card.
You see, the segment is already loaded with multiple offerings that pack in excess of 500 horses, from the Mercedes-AMG GLC (Coupe) and the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio to the Jaguar F-Pace SVR.
The rumor mill also talks about a rear-only driving mode, as is the case with 2018 M5, but we wouldn't hold our breath for it.
The 2019 BMW X4 M, as well as the X3 M, will land by the end of the year.
In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist. Full profile
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